These metaphors are getting a bit crazy; first we’re a horse and now we are scoring touchdowns. Either way, it’s good to be here in Lady’s Island.

Remember those “eyes” from the other day’s post? They were at it again as we cruised up the ICW to hang a right onto the St. Johns River.

The St. Johns River coming into Jacksonville certainly includes one big thing – Naval Base Mayport. One of the major ones on the east coast of the U.S., and that means the “eye in sky” keeps a vigilant watch. So, while we watched the ‘chopper watching us, BIG commerce continued. Geez, those container ships are really big when they go by less than 100 feet away.

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We both love to see our country’s Navy. It’s beautiful and powerful all at once. We figure they will be heading out also, as is the case when a hurricane is eminent. They are safer at sea!

Our transition from river into “la mer bleue” was uneventful, and about eight hours later we celebrated a gorgeous sunset. Gosh, it feels great to be moving again! SaltyMare and her crew love the ocean!

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Speaking of moments to celebrate, at 1535, we unceremoniously slipped north of the insurance company’s desired 31st parallel. Would someone please tell Hurricane Ian?

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And 12 very dark hours later, after travelling on a moon-less night (pictures impossible, duh!) and being depressed/concerned as we cruised by a long line of “really big” ships (their lights were way far apart) just waiting in the ocean off Savannah, we were finally greeted with a great sunrise lighting our path along the Beaufort River in South Carolina.

TOUCHDOWN! Now we can hunker down to prepare for what Ian brings north. Just as soon as we take naps….

Ya’ll stay safe out there!

Well, South Carolina, actually

With the SaltyMare tugging at her reins and the first mate’s desire to just get north, the captain made a quadruple check (been watching it for days) on the predicted sea state for today and tonight, and we are making an overnight offshore run from Jacksonville, Florida to Beaufort, South Carolina. Yeah, stretch her legs out!

Taking advantage of the calm before the storm to let this freshly powered Selene Ocean Trawler do what she was built for!

Yes, it seems somewhat ironic to have ended the last post about the start of our new journey with a reference to a rainbow. Our first day moving was a bit overcast with bouts of sunshine, both liquid and not!

Yes, we did finally head out of Fort Pierce on Thursday. Yeah! She’s cruising again and couldn’t feel any stronger. First stop, after a lovely nine-hour cruise up the AICW – Cocoa Beach.

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Her first cruising day in more than four months was a complete success. This girl is ready to go. W-e-l-l, turns out to be a good thing, because…enter Ian. That’s right she is running…. really.

If only we could keep the first mate from getting distracted. 🙂

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Although we galloped into Daytona Beach, work schedules messed up seeing the oldest grandson and his family. Rats. Would be good to hang around, ’cause, heck, we don’t work, but gotta keep running. There’s a storm coming. Next stop, Marineland Marina for a quick visit with daughter Tracee and her beau’s family, and a quick hug with three more grandkids. Special shout out to granddaughter Kayla, she’s a senior. Notice the theme!

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We will see Marineland next time through, gotta keep moving. So, throw the lines, and today we continued northward to Jacksonville Beach. Man, Florida has A LOT of bridges!

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As the ‘Mare gallops north and her crew keeps a vigilant watch for updates on that rascal storm, Ian, it sure seems like we are being guided each step of the way. (Or is it watched? Ha!)

Eyes around of all kinds!

First, apologies, this happened September 2nd. Emotions and crazy travel prevented us from adding this post earlier.

Short version? Back in the water. Runs very, very well. Passed with flying colors! END OF PROCESS! Yeah, celebrations begin!

For those who want a bit more….

September 2nd: it was early on that cool, bright morning… HA! Nah, it was after noon and in Florida. Shoot – it was over 90 degrees! But who cares! We were put back in the water! Spiffy prop, fresh coat of bottom paint, and a nice hull detailing had the gal ready to go. With the Shearwater technician, Bobby, and Ron (the amazing engine guy) on board, we headed south toward the Fort Pierce Inlet. She felt amazingly smooth and raring to go! This time working up through 700, 800, 900 RPM, etc. felt easy, and she was digging in. With a slight outgoing tide, we “blazed” to 2100 RPM with what felt like no effort. Slowed down, turned around, and against the tide, she did the same. Smooth and strong.

She feels like herself again! Her engine now has 7 hours on it….

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After all that, we were off…….to Virginia…in a car. Say what? Ready to cruise but slight delay for family visits and doctor appointments. Huh? That’s right, it immediately got crazy. First dumped stuff and secured the boat for the evening. Then drove back to Stuart to clean the condo and put the owners’ things back in place using previously taken pictures. The next day, we put the last of our things in the car and handed the keys to the realtor before driving the 45 minutes back to the boat, where we worked our way around the piles of stuff yet to be put away to pack suitcases with clean clothes and clear the bed to spend the first night on the boat in nearly four months. Whew. WAIT! Bright and early the next morning we were off (driving) to Virginia for the annual medical visits that had been rescheduled three times.

It was great to see the family in Virginia! We were so brain dead, however, that we only captured a few shots. Sorry, Mom! We’ll do better in December.

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Not even the flat tire on the rental car out on I-95 (Todd changed it) and an extra day spent on the road could in any way dampen our spirits. We are finally back home on the SaltyMare, all healthy, and all chomping at the bit to get going again. Heading out tomorrow!